Synonyms of condense

condense

verb

kən-ˈden(t)s 

1

as in to compress

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter

over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compress
• shrink
• constrict
• decrease
• collapse
• contract
• flatten
• withdraw
• diminish
• lessen
• wilt
• wither
• retreat
• dry up
• recede
• shrivel
• deflate
• dwindle
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expand
• increase
• accumulate
• swell
• grow
• snowball
• inflate
• balloon
• puff (up)
• balloon

2

as in to squeeze

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together

condense the information into as brief a report as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compress
• squeeze
• consolidate
• cram
• simplify
• constrict
• compact
• pack
• narrow (down)
• capsulize
• capsule
• collapse
• shorten
• telescope
• curtail
• contract
• constringe
• abridge
• abbreviate
• streamline
• jam-pack
• downsize
• shrink
• concentrate
• boil down
• decrease
• jam
• crowd
• diminish
• lessen

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expand
• open
• decompress
• disperse
• dissipate
• dilate
• outspread
• scatter
• inflate
• outstretch
• swell
• distend

3

as in to reduce

to increase the strength of (a substance in a mixture) by removing other substances

added condensed milk to the mix

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• extract
• concentrate
• remove
• evaporate
• distill
• refine
• purge
• clarify
• enhance
• intensify
• purify
• clean
• cleanse
• leach
• solidify
• deepen
• compact
• flush
• enrich
• heighten
• boil down
• strengthen
• decoct
• harden
• recondense
• fortify
• richen
• reconcentrate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dilute
• water (down)
• cut
• weaken
• thin
• adulterate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word condense different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of condense

The following conversation has been edited and condensed. —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026

Read excerpts from her interview below, which has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 2 Jan. 2026

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity. —Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025